The 2025 WaterWise Garden Recognition Contest is an annual floral celebration in the County that highlights remarkable water-saving home gardens. The Santa Barbara County Water Agency and participating local water purveyors encouraged residents to partake in the garden competition, offering both regional and county-wide awards. This year’s competitors included the Montecito Water District, Carpinteria Valley Water District, and the City of Santa Barbara. The title for the grand prize county-wide winner went to Teri and Pat Guillies of the Montecito Water District for their beautiful native-dominated garden. … These exceptional gardens demonstrate that water-efficient, sustainable landscapes can be lush, colorful, and wildlife-friendly.